Wednesday, January 16, 2008

** Family of deceased NY 9/11 volunteer EMT to receive government compensation

** Republican presidential hopeful Giuliani friend to paramedics?

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Despite being previously turned down for government compensation, the family of 9/11 EMT Glenn Winuk will now receive the money. That is the word from the Associated Press (January 15) which said Winuk, 40, who was a full time lawyer and volunteer with the Jericho Fire Department, died in the collapse of the twin towers. His body was later found with his hands wearing surgical gloves and a stethoscope around his neck. Although not working EMS at the time, he did attend the site on his own initiative to render prehospital care. Initially thwarted by the  Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance from receiving the $250,000 compensation, Winuk’s parents may also now see their son posthumously given the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor. The commendation was awarded to public safety officers killed at Ground Zero.

** Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani continues to tout himself as a friend of paramedics. WESH Channel 2 (January 15) quoted Giuliani as saying voting for him in the Florida primary in two weeks time would help ensure medics, and other emergency workers, have the tools they need to do their work. Giuliani made his comments on a campaign stop at Walt Disney World Tuesday. So far, few paramedic associations or unions have indicated support for the former New York 9/11 mayor. He has, however, received an endorsement from the National Troopers Coalition.